Her Graceful War Song

Carissa's hands, which were resting in her lap, curled into fists as she choked back a sob. She turned her face away, trying to hide her tears and maintain her composure.

Seeing her distress, Anthony suddenly regretted coming. Perhaps, neither family was truly ready to meet under these circumstances.

Even a man like Anthony found it hard to hold back tears, let alone a girl of eighteen or nineteen. Though she had seen battle and taken enemies' lives, she had always been the cherished jewel of her family. With her family gone, she was left alone.

No matter how strong her outer facade, her heart would still ache with sorrow.

Anthony had never wanted to recall that scene-he never dared to. However, perhaps it was time to confront it. Otherwise, the pain would linger forever.

His voice lacking its usual steadiness, he said, "We should let bygones....be bygones. One must always look forward. I heard about your engagement to the Hell Monarch. I haven't had the chance to congratulate you."

Carissa lowered her gaze and responded softly, "Thank you."

Anthony cleared his throat and continued, "We only learned about your divorce from Barrett later. My mother had intended to send someone to inquire about you, but hesitated. She feared..."

Carissa's voice, too, was choked with emotion as she replied, "I understand. I really

do."

After a moment of silence, Anthony got down to business. 'Recently, there have been rampant rumors about you marrying during your mouming period. The public has been quite harsh. But today, the Astrology Department minister made a public clarification and reported the matter to the authorities. We've apprehended several people, and they've revealed that the mastermind behind this is from Grand Princess Eleanor's household. I've come to ask if you prefer to handle this openly or privately?"

He further explained, "Since you're to marry the Hell Monarch, you will eventually need to address Grand Princess Eleanor as your aunt. It's up to you whether you want to strain this relationship. If you're not afraid of Grand Princess Eleanor, neither are we.*

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Carissa raised her gaze and looked directly at Anthony. She took a deep breath, and said, "I will continue to address you as I did in the past as my brother-in-law. Thank you for coming in person, Anthony. It means a lot to me.

"As for how the case should be handled, I leave it to you. I believe Grand Princess Eleanor is not behind this. However, I did have an argument with Lady Jessica at the birthday banquet. Perhaps Lady Jessica is holding a grudge and trying to tarnish my reputation."

Anthony nodded. "I understand. This incident will not harm Grand Princess Eleanor in the slightest. I'm only afraid they will push the blame to a steward. As for Lady Jessica, I will send someone to inquire further."

"Thank you, Anthony," Carissa said as she bowed slightly in gratitude.

"It's my duty," Anthony responded, rising as well and giving a respectful nod. "I'll take my leave now."

"Frederick, see off Lord Klein!" Carissa called out.

Frederick stepped forward with a polite smile. "Lord Klein, let me see you out."

As Anthony reached the door, he glanced back at Carissa. There were many things he wanted to say. But in the end, he only managed to say, "Take care of yourself."

Carissa nodded in response and watched him leave.

She sat alone in the main hall for a long time, silent and lost in thought. The stone steps outside were the very place where Anthony had once held Ryan's severed head, stained with blood.

After Frederick returned from seeing Anthony off, he noticed Carissa's somber expression and stepped forward to break the painful silence of her memories. "My lady, Lord Klein mentioned he would personally send someone to Ironridge Estate."

Jessica had married the Marquis of Ironridge, Leopold Winchester. But after many years, she still had no children. Leopold had taken a second wife, who had borne him a son and a daughter.

Jessica was fortunate to hold the title of princess, or her personality and the fact she was childless would have likely led to her being dismissed long ago.

The Marquis of Ironridge's family was a century-old family, known for its adherence to poetry and propriety. Their household traditions and discipline were notably